Brandon Wade, who founded the site in 2006, said: “SeekingArrangement.com has helped students graduate debt-free. That’s more than anyone can say of Parliament or university bodies.”

But Daily Star Online has found students, who face up to £50,000 in debt when they leave university, often stay in the sex trade or “mutually beneficial relationships” after they graduate.

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SECRETS: Many students don't tell friends or family if they turn to prostitution

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REVEALING: The staggering trend has concerned welfare officers at students unions

Emma, a University of Southampton graduate, joined SeekingArrangement.com in her last year of education in 2011.

She was facing £32,000 of debt.

Like Rachel, Emma hasn't told anyone in her family about her experience.

The 26-year-old said: “I had no chance of paying any of the debt back in the short term while I tried to forge a stable career for myself.

"A friend from college had tried one of these sites and encouraged me to give it a go because she knew that I had always been attracted to older men.

“I was extremely reluctant but I thought I would give it a go.

"It took me about a month to find the man I was looking for — basically someone I would have dated anyway."

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PLUSH: Emma was wined and dined at Hotel de Crillon in Paris

She continued: “He was in his late 40s and making several million a year. He took me to some amazing places including a perfect weekend at Raymond Blanc’s Le Manoir Aux Quat ’Saisons.

"We went to Paris and stayed at the Hotel de Crillon which has to be seen to be believed.

“We entered into what the website calls a ‘mutually beneficial arrangement’.

“We were boyfriend and girlfriend but I was paid £2,500 a month, which was more than enough to cover my bills while I also pursued my career in film.”

Olivia Bailey, the women's officer for the National Union of Students, said: "Obviously there is a concern for the welfare of the women. It's outrageous that any student feels forced into sex work to fund their studies, and students should know they can talk to their women's officers if they have any concerns.

"I'm worried that as women find it harder to fund their studies they may feel forced into this kind of work."